Trump Accuses Zelenskyy of Sparking Ukraine War Following Deadly Russian Missile Strikes | World News
Donald Trump has raised doubts about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s abilities and insinuated that Ukraine was responsible for initiating the conflict with Russia, a nation “20 times” larger.
The former US president further stated, “millions of people have died because of three individuals,” pointing fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin, his predecessor in the White House Joe Biden, and Mr. Zelenskyy in that sequence.
This commentary follows the tragic incident where 35 individuals, including two children, lost their lives due to the impact of two Russian missiles that hit the northern city of Sumy as Ukrainians celebrated Palm Sunday, marking the deadliest assault on the country this year, as reported by officials.
Ukraine latest updates: Trump attributes blame for war
Damaged cars at the site of a Russian missile strike on Sumy. Pic: Reuters
During a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump remarked to reporters: “If Biden was competent, and if Zelenskyy was competent, and I’m uncertain he is…
“This war should never have occurred in the first place.”
He added, “Biden could have prevented it, and Zelenskyy could have prevented it, and Putin should not have initiated it.”
When asked about Mr. Zelenskyy, Mr. Trump stated: “When you start a war, you must be certain that you can win.
“You do not initiate a war against someone that is 20 times larger than you, hoping for missile support.”
Mr. Trump claimed he was the first to supply Ukraine with Javelin missiles.
Firefighters respond at the site of a Russian missile strike in Sumy on Sunday. Pic: Reuters
“Millions of individuals have died due to the decisions of three individuals,” Mr. Trump continued.
“Let’s name Putin as number one, followed by Biden, who had no comprehension of what he was doing, and then Zelenskyy.
“All I desire is to put an end to this – that’s my sole intention. I want to stop the killings.
“And I believe we are making good progress in that direction. Expect some promising proposals very soon.”
Mr. Zelenskyy has called for a global reaction to the Sumy attack, which injured over 100 people. He stated that the initial missile struck university structures while the second detonated at street level.
‘It’s a dreadful situation’
Regarding the Sumy attack, which is close to the Russian border, Mr. Trump previously commented while aboard Air Force One: “I think it was awful and I was informed that they made an error, but I still think it’s a dreadful situation. I believe this entire war is dreadful.”
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In response to inquiries regarding the incident, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted that Russian military actions are targeted exclusively at military objectives.
The attack reportedly targeted a meeting of senior military personnel, as claimed by Moscow’s defense ministry, which accused Kyiv of employing civilians as shields by holding military dialogues in the city’s core.
The ministry also claimed to have eliminated more than 60 troops, although Russia did not furnish any proof for its assertions.
Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski, whose country currently chairs the EU, stated that the recent assaults represent “Russia’s derisive reply” to Kyiv’s acceptance of a ceasefire suggested by the US administration over a month ago.
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What’s the current status of the proposed ceasefire?
The strike on Sumy succeeded a missile attack on April 4 in Mr. Zelenskyy’s city of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in approximately 20 fatalities, including nine children.
Senior diplomats from Russia and Ukraine have each accused the other of violating a tentative ceasefire agreement brokered by the US regarding energy infrastructure.
While Ukraine has supported a broader US ceasefire proposal, Russia has effectively stymied it with extensive conditions.
Mr. Putin has indicated that he desires Ukraine to abandon its aspirations to join NATO, complete control over the four Ukrainian areas it claims as its own, and restrictions on the size of the Ukrainian armed forces. He has also made clear his desire for the easing of Western sanctions.
